Arsenic in vegetables poses a health risk in the vicinity of a mining area in the southern Hunan Province,China

The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the levels of arsenic (As) in 23 vegetable species planted on As-polluted soil and assess the human health risks of contaminated vegetable consumption. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and target cancer risk (TR) methods were employed to evaluate the human health risks posed by exposure to As through vegetable consumption. Our results indicate substantial As contamination of the experimental soil. Significant differences were detected in the concentrations of total and inorganic As in the edible parts of the various vegetables grown on contaminated soil, which were generally in the following order: leafy vegetables > stem vegetables > root vegetables > melon and fruit vegetables. The total THQ value for As due to vegetable consumption for children (4.81) was higher than that for adults (3.66), the TR values for As due to vegetable ingestion for adults (1.65 × 10^?3) and children (2.17 × 10^?3) were significantly beyond the range of acceptable risk (10-6–10-4) recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the maximum acceptable risk value (5.0 × 10^?5) recommended by the International Commission on Radiation Protection, which clearly poses a dangerous health risk for residents consuming vegetables in the long-term in the study area.     

武汉市蔬菜重金属污染现状的调查与评价

通过对武汉市6种蔬菜的供食部位及所对应的土壤中重金属Hg(汞)、Cu(铜)、Pb(铅)、Cd(镉)、Cr(铬)、Zn(锌)、As(砷)含量及分布特征进行了检测,结果表明:Pb、Cr是武汉市蔬菜中主要的污染元素;Hg、Cd只在个别叶菜类上超标;Zn、Cu、As无超标样。在所时应的土样中,普遍存在污染的是Cd,其它6种重金属元素均未超标。     

Determination of Heavy Metals in Fish and Vegetables in Bangladesh and Health Implications

Concentrations of six heavy metals (chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, and lead) in fish and vegetables were estimated to evaluate contamination levels and health risks for Bangladeshi adults. The analyzed metals varied between different species of fish and vegetables. Metals like Ni, Cd, and Pb in fish species were higher than the respective maximum allowable concentrations (MAC), whereas As, Cd, and Pb in some species of vegetables exceeded the MAC. Health risks associated with these metal intakes were evaluated in terms of dietary intake and target hazard quotients (THQs). The THQ values for individual metals were below 1 (except As for some species), suggesting that people would not experience significant health hazards if they ingest a single metal from one species of fish and/or vegetable. However, total metal THQ (TTHQ) signifies the potential non-carcinogenic health hazard to the highly exposed consumers in Bangladesh. Also, the estimation showed that the carcinogenic risk (TR) of arsenic and lead were within the acceptable range for fish but exceeded the accepted risk level for vegetables. From the health point of view, this study showed that the inhabitants who consume contaminated fish and vegetables are exposed chronically to metal pollution with carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic consequences.     

Assessment of heavy metal in the water,sediment, and two edible fish species of Jamshedpur Urban Agglomeration,India with special emphasis on human health risk

The city of Jamshedpur, nicknamed the “industrial capital of Jharkhand,” is one of the oldest industrial settlements in India, nestled amidst the mineral-rich Chota Nagpur plateau, with its diverse tribal population. Heavy metal contamination from industrialization and urbanization can pose a serious health risk to the resident population of the city. Metal concentrations in water and sediment of various water bodies (rivers, canals, and lakes) were determined using ICP-MS. Pollution indices indicate heavy metal contamination at Jamshedpur Urban Agglomeration, mainly because of Cr (23–1111.6 mg/kg), Hg (0.08–4.11 mg/kg), and Pb (5.2–248 mg/kg). Labeo rohita and Punitus sarara, the two popular edible fishes, also have high concentration of Cr, Hg, and Pb. Health risk to human population due to consumption of metal contaminated edible fishes (L. rohita and P. sarara) was determined by target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). THQ value of fish consumption (most popular protein supplement in the area) was found higher for Cr and Pb when compared with previous literature on fish consumption. Also, HI value ranged from 1.4 to 3.9, suggesting that the children have higher health risks than adults, due to consumption of metal contaminated fishes (especially L. rohita).     

Toxic metal ion in seafood: Meta-analysis of human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic threat assessment,a geomedical study from Dhamra and Puri,Odisha

The investigation revealed the adverse health threats on human beings from toxic metals via ingestion of seafood from two contaminated sites in Odisha. Bioaccumulation through food chain was presented as tissue metal concentrations. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health hazards were estimated by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Target Cancer Risk (TCR) following USEPA referred safe metal intake limit. THQ of Metals like Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb in both sites showed >1, indicating a severe non carcinogenic health threat to humans from the investigated metals. THQ of Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr and Hg showed < 1, implying the least possible deleterious health effects. Cr was the most significant carcinogenic pollutant in both sites. The marine fish consumption of Dhamra site might cause extra 7 cases of cancer per 10000 populations due to higher Cr level (cancer risk 6.7 × 10^?3). Carcinogenic risk of Ni and Pb were below the tolerable range of 10E-4. The presence of Cd in sea foods elevated cancer risks in both sites. The metal pollution index (MPI) indicated, the highest toxic metal bio accumulation was contributed by Arius arius species. Ilisha megaloptera and Lates calcarifer from Dhamra and Puri showed highest hazard index (HI) suggesting unaccountable non-carcinogenic health threat.     

Potential health risk of heavy metals via consumption of rice and vegetables grown in the industrial areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

Heavy metals are toxic in nature, and their contamination in foodstuff is a matter of concern for human health. The present study was conducted to assess the concentrations of chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in rice and vegetables and their possible human health risks in Tangail district, Bangladesh. Metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave digestion system. The average values of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb in rice and vegetables were 16.26, 16.11, 13.99, 2.28, 1.86, and 7.93?mg/kg, respectively. The average metal concentration in rice and vegetable species was in the decreasing order of okra?>?chili?>?bitter gourd?>?papaya?>?brinjal?>?bean?>?bottle gourd?>?rice?>?cucumber?>?sponge gourd?>?Indian spinach. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of all the metals except Cu were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQs) values of Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb exceeded the threshold value of 1 through consumption of rice and vegetables, indicating significant health risks to both adult and children. The target carcinogenic risk (TR) of As and Pb through consumption of rice and vegetables was higher than the USEPA threshold level (10^?4). From the health point of view, this study clearly revealed that consumption of these contaminated rice and vegetables definitely poses carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.     

Health Risks of Heavy Metals through Consumption of Greenhouse Vegetables Grown in Central Iran

Elevated heavy metal (HM) concentrations in vegetables may pose serious health risks to humans. There is limited information on health risks associated with HM contaminants in greenhouse vegetables. The objective of this study was to estimate the health risks of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr via consumption of greenhouse cucumbers and bell peppers produced in Iran using the total non-cancer hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk assessment estimates. Cadmium, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the vegetables varied from < 0.02 to 0.05, 0.19 to 0.64, 0.16 to 0.20 and 0.07 to 0.13 μg g^?1, respectively. Individual metal THQ values indicate the relative absence of non-cancer health effects associated with intake of a single metal through consumption of either cucumbers or bell peppers. The THQ for all population groups via consumption of greenhouse cucumbers and bell peppers was smaller than 1.0, which shows low possibility of any obvious risk. The result showed that Cd is the major risk contributor for the consumers. The cancer risk assessment for Pb for Qom adult populations groups via consumption of cucumbers and bell peppers was greater than 1 × 10^?6. High Pb and Cd concentration in the greenhouse vegetables is an important concern that has to be considered.     

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils and Vegetables from a Typical Greenhouse Vegetable Production System in China

There is growing concern about food safety and environmental contamination due to potential health risks to consumers. The aims of this study are to elucidate the accumulation status, influencing factors, and potential risk of selected heavy metals in soils and vegetables from a typical greenhouse vegetable production system in China. The potential health risks of heavy metals through soil contact and vegetable consumption were evaluated for greenhouse and corresponding open field production. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cu, and Zn in greenhouse vegetable soils were greater than those in open field soils. Leaf vegetables had relatively higher concentrations and transfer factors of heavy metals than root and fruit vegetables, especially for Cd. The target hazard quotient of heavy metals through vegetable consumption was greater than 1 for leaf vegetables, and was also higher for greenhouse vegetables than those from open field. The risk of exposure to heavy metals through direct contact with soil and vegetable consumption was higher for children than for adults and seniors. Planting patterns with different vegetable types and soil properties can affect bioavailability and crop accumulation of heavy metals.     

The accumulation characteristics and potential health risks of heavy metals in vegetables from reclaimed area of China

The reclamation of subsidence area was regarded as a useful pathway to rebuild landscape and ecosystem. However, the elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the reclaimed area may lead to potential environmental and health risks. This study was aimed at investigating the accumulation of heavy metals in the soils and vegetables, and evaluate the potential health risks to human beings via consuming these vegetables. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The elevated concentrations of heavy metals were found in the soil from the reclaimed area when compared with the background value. The concentrations of heavy metals were various among the different vegetable species. The heavy metal tolerance could be found in all the selected vegetables. The elevated concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the edible part of the selected vegetables indicated that the consumption of these vegetables may lead to potential health risk. The intake of soybean, radish, sweet potato, and mugwort may lead to potential health risks due to the elevated target health quotients. Chinese cabbage and pepper were regarded as the suitable vegetables which may help in reducing the potential health risk.     

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in shellfish collected from Fujian,China

Abstract

With industrialization and human activities, shellfish may be contaminated by various pollutants such as heavy metals. This study aims at the concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb and Pb in shellfish collected from Fujian of China, and the risk of heavy metals in shellfish on human health based on target hazard quotients (THQ). Results showed that the THQ values of the elements were far below 1, except for As with an average value of 1.148 in razor clam. No detrimental health effects of heavy metals on humans health was observed by daily consumption of mussel and oyster, but the exposed population to short-necked clam, scallop and razor clam might experience noncarcinogenic health risks because each of the total THQ values was above 1 for the three shellfish.     

Health Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Soil-Crop System from an E-Waste Dismantling Area

Soil is an essential resource for agricultural production. In order to investigate the pollution situation of heavy metals in the soil-crop system in the e-waste dismantling area, the crop and soil samples (226 pairs, including leaf vegetables, solanaceous vegetables, root vegetables, and fruits) around the e-waste dismantling area in southeastern Zhejiang Province were collected. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Cr were determined. The average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Cr in soils were 0.94, 107.79, 80.28, and 78.14 mg kg^-1, respectively, and their corresponding concentrations in crops were 0.024, 0.7, 0.041, and 0.06 mg kg^-1, respectively. The transfer capacity of leaf vegetables was significantly higher than that of non-leaf vegetables, and the accumulation of four heavy metals in crops tended to be Cd > Cu > Cr/Pb. The pollution index’s results revealed that the soil pollution degree under different land uses ranked as root vegetables soil > leaf vegetables soil > solanaceous vegetables soil > fruit soil. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metal exposure were ranked as food intake > accidental ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation. The comprehensive non-carcinogenic risk was ranked as Cr > Cd > Pb/Cu. Our results could be used to provide useful information for further crop cultivation layout in the study area, which can guarantee the local residents’ health and food safety.

     

Heavy Metals Bioconcentration from Soil to Vegetables and Assessment of Health Risk Caused by Their Ingestion

The present study was undertaken to assess the non-carcinogenic human health risk of heavy metals through the ingestion of locally grown and commonly used vegetables viz. Raphanus sativus (root vegetable), Daucus carota (root vegetable), Benincasa hispida (fruit vegetable) and Brassica campestris leaves (leafy vegetable) in a semi-urbanized area of Haryana state, India. Heavy metal quantification of soil and vegetable samples was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lead, cadmium and nickel concentration in vegetable samples varied in range of 0.12–6.54 mg kg^?1, 0.02–0.67 mg kg^?1 and <0.05–0.41 mg kg^?1, respectively. Cadmium and lead concentration in some vegetable samples exceeded maximum permissible limit given by World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization and Indian standards. Much higher concentrations of Pb (40–190.5 mg kg^?1), Cd (0.56–9.85 mg kg^-1) and Ni (3.21–45.87 mg kg^?1) were reported in corresponding vegetable fields’ soils. Correlation analysis revealed the formation of three primary clusters, i.e. Cu–Cd, Cd–Pb and Ni–Zn in vegetable fields’ soils further supported by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Bioconcentration factor revealed that heavy metals’ uptake was more by leafy vegetable than root and fruit vegetables. Hazard index of all the vegetables was less than unity; thus, the ingestion of these vegetables is unlikely to pose health risks to the target population.     

Heavy metal risk assessment of European eels (Anguilla anguilla,Linnaeus, 1758) from the Asi (Orontes) River,Turkey

The muscle tissues of a total 154 sampled eels from the Asi (Orontes) River were analyzed between January and December 2018 to determine the content of heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd and As). Determination of heavy metals in muscle tissue was carried out with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). To express the risk level for human consumption of heavy metal contaminated eels we used common concepts and criteria such as Hazard Index (HI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total THQ (TTHQ). From the human health point of view, the indices HI, THQ, TTHQ values of Hg, Cd, Pb and As indicate no risks for the consumers at assumed intake levels per unit time.     

Heavy metal contamination in vegetables grown around peri-urban and urban-industrial clusters in Ghaziabad,India

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils resulting from rapid industrialization and urbanization is of great concern because of potential health risk due to dietary intake of contaminated vegetables. The present study aims to evaluate the status of heavy metals contamination of agricultural soils and food crops around an urban-industrial region in India. Transfer factor values of Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni from soil to vegetable was estimated. The mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in agricultural soils (Cu: 17.8, Cr: 27.3, Pb: 29.8, Cd: 0.43, Zn: 87, Mn: 306.6, Fe: 16984, and Ni: 53.8) were within allowable concentrations for Indian agricultural soil. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni in crops/vegetables exceeded the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization safe limits. Relative orders of transfer of metals from soil to edible parts of the crops/vegetables were Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cr. The enrichment factors of heavy metals in soil indicated minor to moderately severe enrichment for Pb, Cd, and Ni; minor to moderate enrichment for Zn; no enrichment to minor enrichment for Mn; and no enrichment to moderate enrichment for Cu at different sites. Ecological risk index of soil showed considerable contamination in one of the wastewater irrigated sites.     

Health Risk Assessment of Consumption of Heavy Metals in Market Food Crops from Sialkot and Gujranwala Districts,Pakistan

This study was performed to investigate the potential health risk of heavy metals (HMs) through consumption of market food crops (MFCs) in the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts, Pakistan. Both study areas are located in industrialized regions of the country, where atmospheric pollution is a problem and irrigation of food crops is mostly practiced on the use of wastewater/contaminated water. For the purpose of this study, MFCs samples were collected and assessed for HMs (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe) by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concentration of HMs such as Pb and Cd exceeded the Food and Agriculture/World Health Organization's recommended limits in all MFCs, while Cr in most of the vegetables of the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts also exceeded that limit. The health risk index was >1 in Triticum aestivum for Pb and Cd intake in the Sialkot district and only Pb in the Gujranwala district. Therefore, this study suggests pretreatment of wastewater and its utilization for lawns and green belts irrigation, rather than for food crops. This study also suggests a regular monitoring of HMs in the irrigation water, subsequent soil, air, and MFCs in order to prevent or reduce health hazards.     

Effect of Glomus mosseae on accumulation efficiency,hazard index and antioxidant defense mechanisms in tomato under metal(loid) Stress

In the present study, the phytoremedation potential along with growth, physiological and biochemical response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was assessed under heavy metal(loid) (HM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) amendment. Effect of AMF on uptake and accumulation of metal(loid)s was assessed and accumulation characteristics were expressed in terms of bioabsorption coefficient (BAC), bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TLF) and transfer factor (TF). Results showed that AMF-inoculated plants showed not only a better growth, chlorophyll content, strengthened non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense mechanism, but also accumulated higher concentration of metal(loid)s. The correlation between biochemical and physiological parameters was significant at 0.01 level. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) in antioxidant enzyme activity was found on increasing metal(loid) dose and application of AMF. The accumulation of Cd and Pb in edible part exceeded the chronic reference dose stated by USEPA. The target hazard quotient (THQ) was >1 for Cd and Pb, whereas <1 for As. The study shows that tomato has good potential as Cd and Pb phytoremediator, hence must not be consumed when grown on Cd or Pb contaminated sites.     

A human health risk assessment of soil and crops contaminated by heavy metals in industrial regions,central Iran

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Fe, and Ni) in contaminated soils adjacent to two steel mill companies and in three crops (i.e., wheat, rice, and onion) grown in these regions were compared with a non-industrial site in Isfahan province, central Iran. The results were manifold. The heavy metal concentrations of both the soil and crops within the two industrial regions turned out to be more significant than the nonindustrial counterpart. In addition, the soils surrounding the companies were demonstrated to be contaminated by Cd, Pb, and Ni according to the limits provided by the international standards (i.e., USEPA and European Union standards). As for the crops from the investigated contaminated sites, the mean concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb exceeded the maximum permissible levels for human consumption stipulated by FAO/WHO standards. Furthermore, the values gained from the target hazard quotient were above one, meaning that the crops are contaminated. Given the results gained from a comparison made between estimated daily intake and tolerable daily intake, it can be concluded that the inhabitants of the two investigated contaminated sites are at a potentially serious health risk caused by exposure to the crops contaminated with the heavy metal.     

Human health risk assessment of toxic elements in fish species collected from the river Buriganga,Bangladesh

Abstract

Multielement (48) analysis was carried out of various fish species collected from river Buriganga, the most polluted river in Bangladesh to assess human health risk by toxic elements. Sixteen elements that is, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Hg, Pb, Bi, and U, were taken into account due to their toxicities on human health. Results show that concentrations of elements in various fish species were higher in winter than those in monsoon. Among 16 elements, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Pb were above Food Safety Guideline in some fishes in winter. THQ and TTHQ/HI values were less than 1 for all fishes in monsoon while THQ and TTHW/HI values were more than 1 for most of fishes in winter. These results suggesting non-carcinogenic health hazard through consumption of contaminated fishes. Only As showed low cancer risk while no cancer risk was observed for other toxic elements in monsoon. In winter, Pb showed only moderate cancer risk for Mystus vittatus (site-7) while for other fishes low cancer risk was found by Pb. It can therefore be concluded that there is human health risk in consuming of fishes collected from river Buriganga especially in winter.     

西安市蔬菜中重金属污染分析评价

采用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光度法,测定了西安市郊区10种蔬菜40个样品中汞、砷、铅、铬和镉的含量;并以国家标准(GB18406.1-2001)为依据.对蔬菜重金属污染状况进行分析评价,以明确西安市蔬菜中重金属污染状况.结果表明,西安市10种蔬菜总体合格率为83%,铅是蔬菜中的主要污染元素,在测定的10种蔬菜中普遍存在,总体超标率为77.5%;汞和铬只在芹菜和茼蒿上出现污染,总体超标率分别为10%和2.5%;叶菜类蔬菜铅污染>茄果类蔬菜;砷和镉含量均末超过国家标准规定,合格率为100%.铅的污染程度按蔬菜种类依次为:生菜>茼蒿>韭菜>茄子>芹菜>豇豆>青椒>油麦菜>西红柿>黄瓜,按不同生产区域依次为:西郊>北郊>东郊>南郊.     

Distribution of heavy metals in soils and vegetables and health risk assessment in the vicinity of three contaminated sites in Guangdong Province,China

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, human activities like industrial and agricultural production, transportation, aggravate heavy metal pollution in soil and continue to endanger vegetables and human health. In this study, three contaminated areas affected by heavy metal pollution in Guangdong Province were investigated in terms of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations in soil and vegetables. Further analyses of the contamination status and potential risks to the health of residents consuming these vegetables were conducted. Results showed the following average heavy metal concentrations in vegetables and soil: Shaoguan > Guangzhou > Dongguan, indicating that mining has caused massive soil-heavy metal pollution. The heavy metal concentrations and Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) showed the following trend: leaf-vegetables > fruit-vegetables > root-vegetables, and those of vegetable type were as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. The Nemero pollution index (PI) of all research region soils and hazard index (HI) exceeded 1. Hence, more attention should be paid to the potential for adverse health effects caused by the consumption of vegetables produced in these sites . Thus, effective measures are encouraged, with a focus on children due to their vulnerability to these heavy metals.